The new digital game takes place in a twisted world, with “brutal uncompromising combat,” he said.

“We’re calling Hellblade an ‘Independent AAA’ game, by which we mean that it will be developed and published independently but with all the quality and production values of any AAA game on the market,” said Matthews.

“Certain types of game are very difficult to make for AAA retail without being watered down or otherwise compromised for a mass audience. This is especially true of sword-based combat games or games of a distinctive style or unusual subject matter. We want to make a smaller, more focused game experience that is uncompromising in its combat, art and story, and deliver this digitally at a lower price.”

The Hellblade world is based on Celtic myth and the trailer focuses on protagonist Senua as she embarks on a personal journey through the underworld.

The game was announced “unusually early as a deliberate move,” Matthews continued, as the team wants to “develop Hellblade right in front” of the fans.